North Gauteng High Court favours Xolobeni community

SAfm — The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ruled in favour of the Xolobeni Crisis Committee which represents the people of Umgungundlovu in Xolobeni in the Eastern Cape, who do not want mining in their area. Australian based Mineral Commodities has for years been making attempts to mine the titanium rich land saying there will be economic benefits for the community which some residents claim is not true. The group that is opposed to mining has also raised concerns about damage to the environment and possible displacement from their homes and farms. The group shouted in celebration inside court when the ruling was made. The Department of Mineral Resources, which was the first respondent, has been barred from issuing an operating licence to the company without the consent of the community.